Memorandum by Nottingham City Council
FINALIST IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL
WORKER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2007
WINNER OF
THE GUARDIAN
PUBLIC SERVANT
OF THE
YEAR 2007
CREATING A
NEW TYPE
OF DISABLED
TOILET IN
NOTTINGHAM
— Martin identified a major barrier
facing carers and staff. Using his experience, knowledge, networking
skills, humour and enthusiasm he went on a mission.
The Issue
— "I travel 10 miles to shop in
Nottingham with my 17 year old son who has profound multiple learning
and physical disabilities. If he has a bowel movement that's the
end of my day. It's back to the car and home".
— People with profound and multiple
learning disabilities and other severely disabled people, including
those with head injuries or are quadriplegic cannot use standard
disabled toilets.
— This restricts access for people
with multiple disabilities and their carers to facilities, which
are available to the wider population.
The Strategy
— Martin created a Team from across
the Council and Health, which designed a new type of disabled
toilet with a hoist and changing bench.
— Consultation took place with the
Learning Disability Carers Forum and a "Test drive"
was held to consult with carers and professional staff.
— Martin targeted the planning process
for changes to the City Centre's public toilets to highlight the
issue. .
The Outcome
— Nottingham's "Changing Place
Toilet" opened in July 2006 and has gained an Award at the
British Toilet Association "Loo of the Year Awards".
— The Project Team won the Community
Care Award (Carers Category)
Carers comments
— "It's Brilliant. It allowed
us to shop, have lunch and go to the Theatre as a family".
"It's made such a difference to our lives".
"We will be shopping in Nottingham now"
(Mother from Leicester).
"When I walked in, I cried, and gave the
attendant a big hug. They need to know how important this is".
"Thank you for standing with us and speaking
on our behalf".
Recent developments
— Since setting up the City Centre
toilet we now have 3 changing places toilets in the City which
are welcomed by carers who can now access the community as a family
and without fear.
— The Communities and Local Government
recent Strategic Guide to better quality public toilets highlights
the need for Changing Places toilets (March 2008)
— The Office of Disability Issues recently
highlighted Nottingham Changing Places toilet as an example of
good practice in implementing the Disability Equality Duty.
— The Consortium are now working with
the British Standard people to revise BS 8300 which relates to
public toilets to ensure this is part of future provision.
— Numerous towns and cities are now
including this as part of their toilet provision.
It's made such a difference to our lives".
"We spent the day in Nottingham as a family".
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